FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Chelsea Palacio, Public Information Manager, Information Technology Department
408-406-5723;
Chelsea.Palacio@sanjoseca.gov
Photos from the event are
available online.
Local, State, and Federal Agencies Unite to Forge Path for Responsible Artificial Intelligence
GovAI Coalition Summit underscored the importance of intergovernmental collaboration
SAN JOSE, Calif. (December 10, 2024) – The City of San José and the GovAI Coalition, in partnership with the Center for Public Sector AI and Government Technology, hosted the inaugural
GovAI Coalition Summit to promote responsible artificial intelligence (AI) on Dec. 4-5, 2024. This effort marks a pivotal step in shaping the future of ethical AI development and governance. The event brought together 600 GovAI Coalition members and government leaders to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.
“It’s no surprise that San José has received international attention for our efforts in implementing guidelines and standards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The City of San José has always been a hub of innovation and forward-thinking,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “We are committed to creating a clear roadmap for the ethical, transparent, and effective use of emerging technologies. Our Information Technology Department is working tirelessly to shape the future of AI in ways that prioritize equity, innovation, and the well-being of our community."
Mayor Matt Mahan opened the GovAI Coalition Summit and welcomed attendees to the City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, with participation spanning from the private industry, academia, to over 150 government state, local, and federal agencies across the nation and Canada, underscoring the importance of intergovernmental collaboration.
“This collaborative effort allows small and large agencies alike to leapfrog off each other’s learnings for the collective good of our nation,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Over the coming years, this work will accelerate as we see government become more responsive, innovative and creative at solving the problems our residents care about most.”
The GovAI Coalition Summit served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, resulting in significant progress toward establishing national frameworks for responsible AI. Attendees discussed critical issues such as transparency, equity and algorithmic bias, and accountability in AI, identifying actionable solutions to mitigate risks while maximizing benefits. Highlights of the GovAI Coalition Summit included a unified vision of AI governance, innovative use cases, people-driven policy, mitigating risks, an AI Playbook for leaders, and more.
In the opening keynote, Khaled Tawfik, San José’s Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology emphasized "the GovAI Coalition stands at an exciting intersection where AI holds tremendous promise of advancements, coupled with the ethical and society impact where we, as local, state and federal government agencies, have chosen to tackle as a team through the GovAI Coalition. The GovAI Coalition Summit, highlights the importance of intergovernmental collaboration, especially as we navigate through growing local and national challenges, in addition to global uncertainties. This Coalition is our beacon of stability and safety in this ever-changing AI landscape."
As the presiding agency of the GovAI Coalition, the City of San José’s goal for the summit was to position government leaders at the forefront of responsible AI and provide a platform for agencies to share expertise and learnings. The emphasis on government collaboration allows agencies to reduce duplicated efforts testing new use cases and developing new staff trainings, saving valuable taxpayer money in the process.
About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.
About the Information Technology Department
The San José Information Technology Department (ITD) partners across City departments to anticipate and proactively deliver solutions that enable thriving City services. The department’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in San José through innovation, collaboration, and engagement.
About the GovAI Coalition
The GovAI Coalition is composed of over 1,700 government members from 550 local, state, and federal agencies united in the mission to promote responsible and purposeful AI in the public sector.
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